Zhu Changxiao's version of the Sui Dynasty

A bad ballad was written down by Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty, and the imperial study was completely silent. Duke Xiao Cong of the State of Ju, Zhang Heng, the imperial doctor, Zhuge Ying, the official doctor, and Pan Hui, the doctor of Jingzhao, were sitting on both sides, passing on this bizarre song. nursery rhyme.

After looking around, no one could figure it out. Emperor Sui Yang said:"You are all well-educated people. I have called you here to analyze the connotation of the ballad. Such an evil ballad was widely sung among the people, and even reached the princes and grandsons. In my mouth, nursery rhymes have always fulfilled God's will. Who can explain the mystery to me?"

Xiao Cong, Zhang Heng, and Pan Hui all looked at Zhuge Ying. After all, Zhuge Ying was a loyal elder among them. Zhuge Ying touched the half-white Bearded, he pondered:"Your Majesty, these evil rumors are obviously related to the excavation of canals and the construction of Dongdu.……"

Zhuge Ying's lips trembled inadvertently, as if she had realized something. Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty stood up and asked:"Zhuge Aiqing, could you see some mystery?"

Zhuge Ying said:"Is it a nursery rhyme spread from Dongdu?"

Xiao Cong also nodded and said:"Master Zhuge It makes sense. This rumor is related to Dongdu and the canal. It must have spread from Dongdu."

"Um……"Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty pursed his lips and asked again:"Then what is the 'spotted monkey' and who is the 'dead child'? What are the explanations for these?"

Zhuge Ying said:"I thought that if I wanted to find out the source of this evil rumor, I would We must go to Dongdu...ah no...we have to go to the east of Dongdu, along the canal, to check and find out."

Emperor Sui Yang nodded:"He sent the censor to Dongdu to check along the canal and clearly observe the river course. Investigate the people's sentiments secretly." Emperor Sui Yang's eyes fell on Zhang Heng and asked:"Is there a suitable candidate for the Yushitai?"

Zhang Heng said:"There is a person who is a humble minister."

"who? Zhang Heng said:"

Wei Wensheng"

"This name is so familiar."

Zhang Heng said:"My real name is Wei Xuan, and my courtesy name is Wensheng. I am known in the world by this name. I happen to be a Luoyang surname. This person is one of the twenty-four old ministers who have been reinstated by Your Majesty. This person has also made great political achievements following the late emperor. He might as well use him."

"Well, I will appoint Wei Wen as Minister of the Ministry of Industry to investigate the project and go to the Eastern Capital to investigate the evil rumors."Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty said. Zhang Heng immediately received the order to prepare an edict and ordered Wei Wensheng to rush to Luoyang, the eastern capital. This led to:

Rumors are strange only when they are weird. There are pros and cons in digging the canal.

If it were not for the common people's fields, how could there be so many murders?

That's right. During the Spring Festival, there was a festive scene inside and outside the pass. After receiving the decree, Wei Wensheng ignored the festive occasion and went all the way east to Luoyang, the eastern capital. After leaving Tongguan, the further east he went, the more deserted it became. It was originally a great time for the New Year. At that time, it was not as lively and prosperous as before. You could still smell the explosion of firecrackers in twos and threes, and occasionally saw the smoke of households.

Wei Wensheng, who had walked all the way, did not feel the joy of the festival, but felt a bit more desolate and desolate. When I arrived in Luoyang, I saw a scene of bustling people and busy traffic. However, this scene was not a festive New Year celebration, but a construction site for the construction of the Eastern Capital. A large number of civilian workers were busy intensifying the construction.

Wei Wensheng's book boy was named Ge. Shun, when Ge Shun saw that the construction site had not even stopped during the Spring Festival, rushing to build the construction during the Spring Festival, he said to Wei Wensheng:"The people of Dongdu are so loyal to the emperor that they will not stop work even during the New Year."

"No, no."Wei Wensheng shook his head on horseback.

Ge Shun asked:"The emperor sent an edict to build the Eastern Capital, and the people gathered together to gather firewood and the flames were high, and the world returned to its heart. Is it possible that there is a lie? Wei

Wensheng sneered and said,"If the Duke of Yue had not been here to supervise the repairs, the people would not be like this." At that time, the Duke of Yue built the Renshou Palace in less than two years, which shocked the world. Now it seems that it is not false to say that he is a cruel official."

Wei Wensheng's few words of emotion made Ge Shun, a book boy, realize that Yang Su, the Duke of Yue State, was a tyrannical official who implemented tyranny on the people and took all the credit for himself. This is: the

Duke of Yue left the capital and settled in the east capital. Conscripting the people was like slaves.

The palaces were cast with blood and tears, and they were buried with many evil deeds. The two major projects of building the Eastern Capital and digging the canal were in full swing during the New Year. The conscripting men worked day and night, which made Yang Su, the Duke of Yue, very proud. , spent the whole day in the Dongdu Mansion with several concubines, eating, drinking and having fun, contentedly and without any scruples. Even if something went wrong with the project, Yang Su's memorial would always report good news but not bad news.

While enjoying this festive holiday to himself, the eldest son Yang Xuangan Hurrying to the side room, Yang Su was playing with two concubines. When Yang Xuangan entered the room, Yang Su was really shocked.

"You're such a traitor and you don't even say hello. What's the point of being in such a hurry? Yang Su asked, straightening his clothes, stood up, and walked over.

Yang Xuangan said:"The emperor sent the Minister of the Ministry of Industry to supervise the construction of the Eastern Capital and the excavation of the canal."

"Well, I understand. Yuwen Shangshu is my old subordinate. Let him wait in the post house. I’ll see you later."

"Father, it’s not Yu Wenkai who’s here this time."

"oh? Yang Su was stunned for a moment, with a bit of surprise on his face, and asked:"Who has the emperor ordered to be the minister of the Ministry of Industry?""

"Wei Wensheng."

Yang Su stepped out of the room, went to the yard, weighed it and said:"The one who comes is not good, and the good one will not come. Hurry up and order people to prepare. I will greet you from afar."

Yu Wenkai has worked with Yang Su for many years and has a close friendship. However, Wei Wensheng is not inferior to Yang Su in terms of qualifications. He is also an old minister of the late emperor, and he is not the same person as Yang Su. This makes Yang Su even more wary.

Wei Wensheng Entering Luoyang City, we went straight to Yang Su's official residence. The streets were full of clear water and the common people avoided it. Only the officers and soldiers in the city were on guard. The reception was a bit unexpected.

Wei Wensheng was wondering when he saw a street intersection in the distance. , it was the Duke of Yue State, Yang Su, who came all the way to the market to greet him personally.

"Lord Wei rushed to Luoyang in person to supervise the project, and Lao Caite came to greet him."Yang Su bowed and saluted.

Wei Wensheng quickly dismounted and bowed to return the salute. After all, Yang Su was the chief minister of the dynasty, held a high position, and was awarded the title of Duke of Yue. This made Wei Wensheng even more respectful.

Yang Su, Wei Wen Sheng came to the mansion together and walked into the living room. The guests and hosts were seated, and tea and snacks were all available. Wei Wensheng asked:"I came to inspect the project. I don't know why Luoyang is so quiet and desolate." Yang Su smiled and said:"

Master Shangshu is here in person. I have ordered the people to stay out of the way and clean the streets. How can I be negligent?" So as not to startle Master Shangshu's carriage."

Wei Wensheng bowed his head and thanked him, but he knew in his heart that Yang Su would greet you with a big courtesy, and he would greet you with courtesy first, and then fight with you, so he paid attention to everything and was cautious in everything.

Yang Su said:"I have prepared a banquet, and it is cold. Why don't you, Master Shangshu, stay in my humble house? Have a few more drinks and catch up on old friendships.

Wei Wensheng said:"I'm not busy eating and drinking. I have a lot of official duties. I need to check the canal excavation along the way. I hope it will be convenient for the Duke of Yue." Yang

Su smiled evilly and said,"Your Majesty has really chosen the right person. He has a wise eye and knows a good minister.""

Wei Wensheng stood up and bowed, thanking him and saying:"Thank you so much, Lord, for your kindness. Then I will set off to inspect it immediately.

Yang Su said:"Your Excellency is here for the first time and is not familiar with some of the river roads. I ordered my dog ​​Yang Xuangan to lead the way for Your Excellency Shangshu.""

"Thank you, Lord."

Wei Wensheng walked out of the mansion, and Yang Xuangan was about to follow behind. Yang Su grabbed him, and Yang Xuangan asked:"What else does father have to say?"

"You want to keep an eye on Wei Wensheng and see what he is looking for?"

"The kid understands."

Yang Xuangan accompanied Wei Wensheng out of the east gate of Luoyang City, heading east along the direction of the canal excavation. During the New Year, every household along the way recruited young men, and the work hours continued to increase, and the people were exhausted.

Wei Wensheng rode on Ma, always followed by Yang Xuangan, Wei Wensheng said:"You are celebrating the New Year, I am busy with official duties, why do you always trouble the young master? Why don't you go back first. Yang

Xuangan said:"There are some places in this river that have not been consolidated yet, so it is very inconvenient. It is only natural that we let my nephew lead the way.""

Wei Wensheng saw that Yang Xuangan couldn't get rid of him easily. When he saw an old woman from a house in front of him grinding, Wei Wensheng said:"My dear nephew, why don't you come with me to understand the sentiments of the people?"

"That's fine."

The two of them turned over and dismounted. Yang Xuangan followed Wei Wensheng to the old man. Wei Wensheng said:"Old man, I have a few words to ask. I wonder if I can lend a step to speak?

The old woman said,"Sir, please speak here.""

Wei Wensheng, Yang Xuangan and the old woman were sitting around the stone bench in front of the house. Wei Wensheng asked:"How many sons does the old man have?"

The old woman said:"I have two sons."

"Can it be at home?"

"well……"The old woman said:"Last year we prepared to dig the canal and conscripted the eldest son; this spring the imperial court built the Eastern Capital and conscripted the second son; only the old man and a sickly old man are left in the family."

Wei Wensheng cursed Yang Su in his heart. Cruel, but guarding Yang Xuangan, he kept silent. He just took out five taels of silver and stuffed it into the old man's hand. He said with a smile:"The old man has two sons who also serve the court. The five taels of silver will be used as a token of gratitude to the government. I hope they will accept it."

When the old woman saw that Wei Wensheng was kind and approachable, she bowed repeatedly and thanked him profusely. Wei Wensheng didn't reveal his true nature and called Yang Xuangan to mount his horse and leave.

We continued our inspection and walked along the river construction site for a while. Several children happened to be playing in front of the door, singing children's songs from time to time: opening canals and digging canals. Dig out a little ghost named Monkey.

Dongdudong, dead child. Guess who is the dead kid?

Wei Wensheng refused to listen. When he heard this ballad, his heart skipped a beat, thinking to himself that the emperor sent me here just to check this ballad. Wei Wensheng got off his horse and went to ask some children. Yang Xuangan also came over.

Wei Wensheng smiled with a smile on his face:"These children, uncle, I want to ask you something?"

A child said:"Uncle, please tell me?"

"Your nursery rhymes are very interesting to my uncle. What is a monkey?

The boy replied:"The monkey is an evil spirit that eats children.""

"My old man loves catching ghosts. Where can I find this monkey?"

"Um……"The child was in trouble for a moment, and another kid next to him said:"Maybe this old man is the monkey, run!"

Several children shouted:"The monkey is coming! The monkey is coming!" Far.

Yang Xuangan said:"These little bastards are so rude."

"Children's words have no restraints, children's words have no restraints."Wei Wensheng laughed, pretending not to care, turned around and got on the horse, and said:"I didn't expect that there are many legends about gods and ghosts here."

The two of them had just sat on the saddle when they met an old woodcutter in front of him who was collecting firewood and going home. Wei Wensheng dismounted again and bowed to the old woodcutter from a distance. The old woodcutter quickly saluted, and Wei Wensheng pulled the woodcutter back Please come aside and chat about the people's sentiments.

Yang Xuangan followed on horseback, going up and down, over and over again. He was tired of it. He felt that Wei Wensheng would understand the people's sentiments. He didn't ask a word about the actual situation of the river construction, and he was no longer interested in talking to Wei Wen anymore. After observing the sentiment of the people,

Wei Wensheng sat on the horse and waited. Wei Wensheng glanced out of the corner of his eye and saw that Yang Xuangan was too lazy to get off his horse, so he invited the woodcutter to the edge of the canal construction site, where they chatted in a low voice so that no one accompanying them could hear.

Wei Wensheng He asked:"Old man, I am aware of the people's sentiments and want to ask something?"

"What's the matter? Please tell me, sir."

"I heard that there is a monkey in Dongdu. Who is this monster?

The old woodcutter said:"This is not a monster. This is a high official from Ningling County.""

"Which official?"

"This man's nickname is not 'Ma Monkey', it should be 'Ma Beard', his real name is Ma Shumou"

"oh……"When Wei Wensheng heard about Ma Shumou's name, he knew it very well. When Renshou Palace was built, he was a notorious evil official.

Wei Wensheng said:"What about the myth of eating children?……"

"To be honest, it’s not a myth, it’s real."

When Wei Wensheng heard this, a cold sweat broke out down his spine. There is such a vast world full of wonders. He never expected that a nursery rhyme would actually become a prophecy. It can be said: Since ancient times, folk songs have been directed towards God's will, and children's words are to be feared. Taboo.

If the prince hadn't followed Heaven, how could there have been any major cases of cannibalism?